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Former servicemen of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers came together as they do on April 23 every year at the Church of St Thomas the Martyr at Haymarket in Newcastle, to lay wreaths in memory of those who died in battle.

The fusiliers have close ties with the region with the RRF having been formed out of the merger of four regiments including the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in 1968.

They also have strong links with St Thomas church which has a statue of St George and the Dragon in its grounds.

This is a First World War memorial “to the memory of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the VIth Territorial Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers who gave their lives,” around which the veterans gathered.

In the Second World War, plaques were added for the 43rd Battalion of the Royal Tank Regiment, which later became the 49th, part of the Northumberland Fusiliers.

There are also stained glass windows in the church commemorating the battalions.

Royal Regiment of Fusiliers' veterans celebrate St, George's Day, by laying a wreath at the Church of St, Thomas the Martyr, Haymarket, Newcastle, to commemorate fallen comrades

A second monument commemorates the raising of B Company 9th Battalion and the 16th, 18th and 19th Service Battalions Northumberland Fusiliers by the Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce, from August to October 1914.

The battle honours of the Sixth Northumberland Fusiliers from the Boer War and First World War are furthermore framed in the building, with the veterans bearing their colours as they gathered.

Catherine Lack, master of St Thomas, said: “They have got a long and good history here.

“We know them as the Northumberland Fusiliers.

“They are on our grounds and we are delighted that they do it.

“We are pleased they feel they can come here every year and acknowledge the sacrifice that the regiment made.”